The Erie Square Gazette A public forum by and for the students of St. Clair County Community College since 1951
Volume 66.6
April 16, 2015
Free College Day brings crowds to SC4 Knowledge is power Nick “Chico” Hernandez Managing Editor
People of all ages and walks of life flooded SC4 for the 13th Annual Free College Day on March 28. The school-wide event taught about 150 classes from their starting time of 8 a.m. to their ending time of 4:30 p.m. including modeling, cooking, accounting, clay working, and even meditation. Paul Mitchell students also provided free manicures in the Student Center. The classes were spread out between the Fine Arts Building, North Building and Main Building. Agnes Malberry, 82 and a retiree of Port Huron, with a smile, said “I sure like this Free Day they’re having. I got to practice my sewing technique, and then learned how to better balance my checkbook. They never let us have this much fun in the home!” Not everyone was as excited as Malberry, as many spots in classes were filled early due to early registration. Deshawn Linckon, 35 of Fort Gratiot, found some frustration over not registering early saying, “Man! I didn’t even know they had pre-sign calendar | pg 2 What’s coming up | pg 3
ups. I’m stuck with slim pickings. But shit, it’s free. Can’t argue with that.” Dan Sterling, 28 of Marysville and a sophomore studying Business at SC4, enjoyed Free College day commenting, “Free College is one the better ideas the higher-ups have had. It helps to expose new people to the college of all ages and all up bringings. From a business standpoint, it makes sense. I think all they were missing was a Mixology class.” Even the cold weather didn’t deter people from attending Free College Day. Michelle Gretrech, 41 of Tampa, Florida, explained how her niece, Sherly Gretrech who attends SC4, told her to sign up while she was up here for
Legislator Q&A | pg 4 Religion Differences| pg 5
a family event. “Even though I had to bundle up in three layers and walk in the ice cold wind, I still had fun. I don’t see this very often in Florida, and I’m glad my niece picked such a nice college to attend.”
Stache Bash| pg 6 Smith & Tucker | pg 7
At SC4’s Free College Day, participators learn how to sew and weave at one of the 150 free classes offered. Photo Credit: Nick “Chico” Hernandez
Comic| pg 8
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Volume 66.6
Editor-in-Chief Angie Stoecklin Production Editor/Designer Emily Mainguy Managing Editor Chico Hernandez Photo Editor Jenelle Kalaf Copy Editor Melanie Buskirk Sports Editor Tyler Smith Webmaster Alex Hunt Adviser John Lusk
Calendar Campus
April 16 - Noon & Night Concert: Tapestry Fine Arts Theatre - Noon & 7p.m. April 18 - Music: Patriotic Salute Admission: $7 Adults, Free with Skippers OneCard - Fine Arts Theatre - 7-9 p.m.
April 20 - Blood Drive - College Cafe Center 10a.m. - 3:45p.m. April 20 - Sexual Assault Awareness Prevention & Survival Program - Fine Arts Theatre - 1-3:30p.m.
April 21 - Blood Drive - College Cafe Center 10a.m. - 3:45p.m. April 21 - Countdown 2 Career: Resume & Networking Adivce - Fine Arts Theatre 4:30-6 p.m. April 22 - SC4 Career Fair - College Cafe Center - Noon & 3p.m.
April 26 - Pattern’s Award Ceremony & Reception - Fine Arts Theatre & Galleries 2-4p.m.
ESG Contact Info: Email: eriesquaregazette@gmail.com Address: 323 Erie St Port Huron MI 48060 Editor’s Note: All views expressed in editorials and columns contained within the ESG are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the ESG or any of its advertisers. We welcome feedback!
Find us at esgonline.org @esgonline facebook.com/ESGonline First copy free; second copy $1
Sports Softball
Thursday, April 16, 4:30 p.m. Alma College JV Saturday, April 18, 2 p.m. Sinclair CC Tuesday, April 21, 3 p.m. Delta College Friday, April 24, 3 p.m. @ Henry Ford College Saturday, April 25, 1 p.m. @ Mott CC
Tuesday, April 28, 3 p.m. Macomb CC* Baseball
Community
April 18 - Indoor Garage Sale McMorran Pavilion - 9-4p.m. - $1 April 21 - SC4 Faculty Recital First Congregational Church (Adams St., St. Clair) - 7p.m.
April 24 - St. Clair County Earth Fair Goodells County Park - 9a.m.-4p.m.
April 25 - St. Clair County Earth Fair Goodells County Park - 10a.m.-4p.m.
April 25 - Port Huron City Council Meeting 7p.m. - Municipal Office Center
Saturday, April 18, 1 p.m. @ Kellogg CC
Tuesday, April 21, 2 p.m. @ Henry Ford CC Saturday, April 25, 1 p.m. Lake Michigan C. Tuesday, April 28, 2 p.m. @ Delta College *Bold denotes home games*
It can happen to anyone
SC4 hosts sexual assault awareness, prevention program
Angie Stoecklin Editor-in-Chief
and awareness, laws dealing with sexual assault, date rape drugs, services provided to survivors On Monday April 20, SC4 will of sexual assault, and campus host a sexual assault awareness, security protections. prevention and survival program. The agenda and presenters of According to a letter by Criminal the event are as follows: Justice Discipline James Jones, - Sexual Assault Awareness the presentation is in the Fine and protection by Adrianne Arts Theater and starts at Mynsberge 1 p.m. and should last until about - Prosecuting Offenders and 3:30 p.m. Jones noted that the Victims’ Rights by Mike presentation is free and does not Wendling require registration. - Information about Date Rape According to the e-mail sent out Drugs by James Jones by Jones, the presentation will - Sexual Assault Victims Support cover topics such as prevention Services by Chelsea Manning
- Safety Services Provided at SC4 by David Rickerman Jones said that during the presentation, a survivor of sexual assault will also address the audience on her experiences of survival after the assault. The presentation will be followed by a panel to answer questions about the topic. The event is sponsored by SC4 with help from the Criminal Justice Club and Gay Straight Alliance student clubs. For more information on this event, contact Jim Jones at (810) 989-5694.
April 16, 2015
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The results are in
New faces enter Student Government Tyler Smith Sports Editor
Warner, with 26%. Along with a 23.50% over take by Vice President elect Mark McIntyre against his On Monday, March 30 and Tuesday, opponents John Jones and Mairead March 31, the college center held the Warner that both had 22.50% of the St. Clair County Community College votes. For the secretary position, student government elections. Candice Swinson with 47% claimed Eight candidates ran for the victory by a close 5% over take of four positions of the Student opponent Bill Kirby, who gained Government; two for President, 42% of the votes. Then a last lone three for Vice President, two for campaigner Lila Ali was elected with Secretary, and one for Treasurer. a 67.50% of the votes. With 102 votes cast forth, the The newly elected officials winners of the election are President will receive scholarships for the elect Joe LaFontaine, with 65% of upcoming fall semester, the same the votes and had a 39% overtake of semester they will take office. The his campaigning opponent Terrence president and Vice President will
Joe LaFontaine the new President. Photo credit: Tyler Smith
receive a full scholarship while the secretary and treasurer receive a three-quarter Scholarship. Joe LaFontaine said that he is looking forward to becoming the new Student Government President and with help from Sherry Artman, Secretary to the Vice President of Student Services; he plans on
A showcase of student talent
working on key points for the next semester. LaFontaine said that some of the plans are to improve communication with the clubs, getting packets to the clubs, and educate them on how to do everything from the event register forms to the minutes, and make sure there is structure.
Patterns Magazine to hold award ceremony Jenelle Kalaf Photo Editor
Patterns Magazine, one of SC4’s artistic traditions, will hold the award ceremony to honor the students whose work judges selected to be placed in the magazine. The 57th annual ceremony will be held in the Fine Arts Building on April 26 at 2 p.m. “The ceremony is the first night the magazine will be available,” said Cliff Johnson, the head of the committee for Patterns. “It’s a chance for the students to get their chance on stage, but we will also announce the prize winners
for the top works.” Johnson also explained that the students know that one of their works will be published, but aren’t sure what one it will be. “We have a physically big magazine this year because of the number of high quality works
Photo credit: Jenelle Kalaf
that were submitted,” Johnson said. Johnson also said that if any student is interested on entering any art, poetry, essays or pros, to head over to www.sc4.edu/
patterns to submit your work as they are already accepting submissions. More information can be found on the portal or by calling (810) 989-5709.
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Volume 66.6 | Campus
Legislator Q&A
M&M club invites government officials to a discussion at SC4 Mel Buskirk Copy Editor
On Thursday, April 2, almost 100 people filled the seats of the Fine Arts Theater in order to meet our state’s legislators and ask them questions. The legislators in attendance were Rep. Dan Lauwers, Rep. Andrea LaFontaine, Rep. Paul Muxlow, Sen. Phil Pavlov and Mike Brownfield. The free event, hosted by the Marketing and Management club, invited the public to join the dialogue and have their wide range of questions answered by Michigan’s government officials. Topics brought up during the Q&A varied from the government outlook on the economy, plans to fix the roads, healthcare, and funding for education amongst many other topics. One subject brought up during the Q&A that truly affects students is tuition. John Lusk, professor of English and Journalism at SC4, asked, “Students here face a tuition raise in the upcoming fall semester. Part of the reason the board explained was lack of funding at appropriate levels by the state. So my question is what’s being done to address that perceived lack or real lack of funding so students don’t face yearly increases?” Sen. Pavlov responded with, “In 2011, to your point John, we expanded dual enrollment opportunities, so if you’re in this classroom you might’ve been in high school, as low as 9th grade you have an opportunity to test in to
Student Government and state representatives pose together. Photo credit: Mel Buskirk
take some college credits. Now why is that important? It’s important because we’re able to pay for that college education for those actual credits at the same time we’re paying for the foundation allowance to your traditional public school. So what kids could do is leverage their ability to draw down their college credits at the same time working on their diploma. We also expanded a pretty good expansion into the Middle College program, where we’re allowing, essentially, a grade 13 program so that when you do graduate from high school you have a diploma in one hand and an associate’s in the other. The beautiful part about that is the student wouldn’t have accumulated any personal debt; their speed to degree has increased incredibly. And the other thing is you’re now prepared for the next step in your education. If you decide to use the
career certificate plan, you have that available. The last barrier that we have to hurdle is to have universities to accept the credits they have earned without having to go back and take remedial classes. That is an opportunity to cut your education in half.” Rep. Muxlow added, “Over 25% of enrollment here is dual enrolled or through Middle College. There’s another three-quarters of enrollment that needs help. I think it’s a big step and we’ve been working on it and tuition and we need to continue to work that way as costs go up every year.” Mike Brownfield, the deputy director of strategy for Governor Snyder’s office, stated, “The governor’s 2016 budget called for a 1.4% increase in community college funding just on operations, but it called for an overall funding about an 8% increase. If we look back
to 2011 there’s been about a 30% increase if you look at operational costs and retirement costs. Just on that level of funding there’s been an increase. Just a point about the dual enrollment, we’re certainly in support of, he (the Governor) wants to expand it. He also called for in the budget this year, a $6 million expansion in the grant program to assist students with tuition as well.” Other topics heavily discussed during the Q&A included gun control, the budget for fixing the roads, job creation, incarceration rates, and environmental protection of the Great Lakes. Brian Prigeo, 24, accounting major of Clinton Township, said, “I thought it was interesting. I never done anything like this before. It was interesting even though they were just giving politically correct answers. I thought they dodged some of it (the questions).”
Opinion | April 16, 2015
Christianity, Luciferism, Polytheism Facts and opinions of these three religious ideas Opinion by: Tyler Smith Sports Editor
DISCLAIMER: This opinion piece consists of data and facts researched as well as experiences over a 10 year span of my life. The content of this piece is not the collected opinions of the Erie Square Gazette. These are my own opinions formed over a period of maturing from my young inquiring years to my present mature self.
We all see God in a different way; some see him as loving, merciful, and caring. These are the views of many Christians I have encountered in my life. Others believe in multiple gods who are seen as sub humans or new ideas of religion that are out there. And many of us let this get in the way of trying to know somebody. Many Christians are selfless people who will do anything to help a person. Christianity is such a peaceful religion following the teachings of Jesus Christ and his father where you treat others with respect and love because they are just other people living life the same as you. I admire Christians for they are such a persistent people and can overcome anything. Although, some Christians give Christianity a bad reputation, such as the Westboro Baptist Church, who protested soldiers funerals and burned holy text of other religions such as the Islamic Quran. Christians like these are the ones that cause childish fits and attack other religions as well their own Christian brothers and sisters. All in all, the
Christian faith has come a long way since its birth spreading love, caring, and peace to this world. Another religious idea that is not as old as Christianity and Paganism but has been around for a while is Luciferism. Luciferism does not really follow a certain person really, but it emphasizes on the story of the angel Lucifer and his skirmish with god. In Luciferism, it is believe that Lucifer, not God, created the universe, the earth, and mankind. Like every creator he loved his creations and took care of them. God did not tamper with any of Lucifer’s creations except for humanity. In the story, God creates the tree of knowledge and forbids Lucifer’s humanity creations to eat the fruit and bans Lucifer from entering the Garden of Eden. And everyone knows the rest, but really the belief of this idea is that mankind should become knowledgeable, not blindly follow others. To me though, the idea plays on the grounds of morality and the role of good and bad, making the little of the good and innocent things and not fully enveloping them to what they lead to. Morality is a huge thing in our society since the dawn of time, to play with such a thing as that is some sketchy thinking. Though we have new ideas coming up some old ideas are re-emerging in our time. Polytheism or the belief of multiple gods is coming back a little bit. If you missed the clues I left you its ok but I’m a Polytheist. I believe in the Norse gods Odin, Thor, Baldr,
Tyr, Loki, etc. I’m not going to list all my gods because there is a lot and that would be rude of me. With Polytheism most of the multiple god religions sets our focused on our ancestors and are not earth based. With Asatru Paganism, which is my specific religion, we believe we are literal descendants of the gods. Worship of the gods has changed since the Christian crossover, sacrifices of nine animals of every kind including humans were seen as to satisfy the gods. With a Christian morality the human sacrifices stop.
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Polytheists are a very honorable, respectful people; the belief of treating others was very similar to Christianity. With many different beliefs out there, it is better to respect what they believe in with the three religious ideas from the old, modern, and new ideas. People are people, and some are complete jerks and think that religion is something to boost their ego and believe they are above everyone else, but we can change that by showing a little love no matter what we believe in.
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Volume 66.6 | Community
Save or shave
Blue Water Social Club hosts 5th annual ‘Stache Bash Jamie Koebke Staff Writer
“Do I look like a man or a creep?” was belted out during the opening ceremony of The Fifth Annual ‘Stache Bash took place on March 28, 1015 at McMorran in Downtown Port Huron. ‘Stache Bash is put on by the Blue Water Social Club and 100% of the proceeds go to The Thin Blue Line. This year was a little bit different because ‘Stache Bash took place in McMorran’s auditorium, where in previous years it took place at Kate’s Downtown and Lynch’s Irish Tavern, along with other downtown businesses. They moved due to the growing number of people coming out to support the cause. Contestants enter their mustaches and beards for auction. The highest bidder gets to decide whether they want to save the facial hair, or shave it. Douglas Walsh, 34 of Port Huron, said “I shave for free so I figured why not shave for a good cause!” Walsh was only auctioning off his mustache however after $450 was pulled together he let them shave the beard as well. Walsh was the first of the night to be shaven. A returning ‘Stache Basher Chris Wiegand, 43 of Lakeport, said, “I’m really hoping it’s (his beard, by the name of Ol’ Blue) saved this year!! Even my wife is hoping it’s saved this year!” Chris’s beard raised $565 and Ol’ Blue was saved this year, topping his $401.75 total from last year. WBTI DJ Sean Michaels put his
mustache up for auction; he also did a strip tease and raised $225 for The Thin Blue Line. ‘Stache Bash isn’t just for people with beards and mustaches, but for people who enjoy them as well, and their families. Mike McKernam, 67 of Fort Gratiot, and his daughter Darcy Essmaker, 40 of Port Huron, came out to support the cause. “My dad wanted to come out and auction his mustache so we came to support him,” Essmaker said. St. Clair County Community College Professor and Port Huron Police Lieutenant Joe Platzer, 45 of Port Huron said he came out to show support because “The proceeds go to The Thin Blue Line, which supports fallen officers and their families.” Lieutenant Platzer didn’t auction his facial hair this year but said he has in past years.
This year ‘Stache Bash brought in a rough estimate of $5,000 for The Thin Blue Line according to Blue Water Social Club’s event coordinator Missy Campau. “This brings everyone together for a good time and a good cause,” McKernam said.
Top Left | Douglas Walsh getting his beard shaved after raising $450. Top Right | Sean Micheals stripping down to raise money. Bottom Left | Contestant 11 getting shaved. Bottom Right | Sadaat Hossain holds a piece of Douglas Walsh’s beard with pride. Photo credits: Jamie Koebke
Community | April 16, 2015
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Smith & Tucker rocking at Thumb Coast Brewery. Photo credit: Mel Buskirk
Classic rock duo performs in Downtown Port Huron Thumb Coast Brewing Company features Smith & Tucker Mel Buskirk Copy Editor
On Friday April 3, classic rock and folk duo Smith & Tucker performed at the Thumb Coast Brewing Company. The local musicians perform classics from the 60s and 70s, covering artists such as Cat Stevens and Neil Young.
Doug Tucker and Ron Smith are both residents of St. Clair, but grew up in Detroit. The musicians met when they were teenagers in 1981 when they performed in the heavy rock band Illusion. Smith & Tucker are not new to the area and play at venues all over downtown Port Huron including Lynch’s Bar & Grill as well as at Thumb Coast
Brewing Company. Jesse Peart, 21 of Port Huron and bartender at Thumb Coast Brewery, said, “They’re awesome! They’ve been coming here a long time.” Patrons such as Mike Mellick, 27 of Port Huron, couldn’t complain. “I support music where I can. There’s always good live folk music here,” Mike said, “I also
like to support my local brewery.” While Smith & Tucker don’t have a set schedule, they intend on playing at the local bars whenever they can this summer. To find out what bands play at Thumb Coast and when, visit their website at thumbcoastbrewing.com/specials.
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Volume 66.6 | Comic
“Stop The Gender Labels!” - By Lexi Downey Would you like a Hot Wheels toy or a Barbie toy with that ma’am?
Ok. Cool. Hot wheels or Barbie?
I want a boy toy.
um, it’s for a boy. Haha don’t we all?
Ok, but, like seriously. You have to choose.